The Market for Women's Products
by Cara Miller
Although the female population represents slightly more than half of the U.S. population, dietary supplement manufacturers and marketers have significantly turned their attention to not only women's products, but entire lines of women's products.
Perhaps its because women are the primary household shoppers, or perhaps industry members realize that women are predominately the primary health care decision-makers for their family's health. In either case, women and manufacturers both are benefiting from the reciprocal relationship.
According to statistics from the National Women's Health Information Center, women are highly interested and informed about health care issues, but are not as satisfied as men with the information or the level of communication they receive from their health care provider. Additionally, several studies have found that, in comparison to men, women generally receive less thorough evaluations for complaints, less explanation in response to questions and fewer interventions from their health care provider. In the face of such mainstream medical adversity, many women have turned to natural remedies for answers.
In fact, 40 percent of women increasingly believe they need supplements to ensure proper health compared to 30 percent of men. Part of this belief stems from dissatisfaction with the cost and quality of treatment experienced within the mainstream medical community. But increased knowledge and exposure to the benefits of natural remedies has also helped drive women's interest in the dietary supplement industry.
"I think the media has really put women's issues up front," explained Craig Larsen, director of research and development for AmeriFit. "In addition, a lot of the top health nutrition writers are female. Jane Brody, for example, was an absolute opponent to the industry three years ago, but now she's one of our biggest proponents."
With the help of increased media reports and a plethora of books and Web sites, women are now specifically asking their retailers for individual nutrients, such as dong quai or glucosamine, that they previously may not even have been able to pronounce.
Mike Katke, brand manager for Ethical Nutrients, points to the aging baby boomer population as yet another driving force in the industry. "The upper end of this generation is now about 51 years old, the time when menopause begins to occur," he explained. "A lot of women are in the perimenopause and menopause stage and are now looking at traditional medicine's approach to the decline in estrogen that occurs with the midlife change."
Although options abound for menopausal woman, the growing number of reports connecting Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) with an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer have sent women searching for alternative therapies. "Today's women really have a different attitude toward control of their own life and their own health," Katke said.
In response, companies such as Ethical Nutrients, Natrol, Country Life and Source Naturals have either expanded their current female-only offerings or have formulated entire lines encompassing all the essential nutrients and hormones needed for the maintenance of good health.
Ethical Nutrients, for example, recently launched a 10-product women's health line comprising two menopause-specific products, two menstruation products and six general health products, with plans to launch one more at Natural Products East. Although this new line was only just introduced at MarketPlace'98 in San Antonio, Katke expects the MenoPos product, a combination of black cohosh and St. John's wort, to be the immediate front-runner in terms of sales, with Perfect Soy running a close second.
"Soy is one of the most compelling ingredients because of the sheer volume of research that has been conducted," he explained. "And we think soy is going to become more and more popular and become a regular part of many people's supplement regimen-men as well as women."
Gene Bruno, director of technical services and education for Bodyonics, which offers specific women's formula's under its Longevity AgeErasers line, has also noted this trend toward soy and other phytoestrogens. "Black cohosh, soy isoflavones and red clover are all popular phytoestrogens," he said. "But there are also certain unrelated items like chasteberry and horse chestnut, which is a tremendous circulatory herb, that can be very helpful in menopause-related symptoms as well as PMS."
Thus, the formulation of the company's EstroGentle, a product primarily designed for menopausal women that is composed of all of these ingredients. "The research regarding some of these phytoestrogen products is just phenomenal, not only for helping in menopause, but in helping to prevent and reduce the risk of breast cancer," Bruno said.
Although the stage of a woman's life and her individual health needs dictate her purchasing habits, manufacturers and retailers throughout the industry have noted an overwhelming interest in all of the above-mentioned ingredients, as well as any multiple formulas that can address the many facets of one health condition in one pill.
"To some extent, your single ingredient products are going to be there, because that's the commodity," said Larsen. "But if you can do something in a branded fashion with a commodity item and some other adjunct ingredient, it helps separate you from the rest of the marketplace. When you are trying to deal with a situation that has a multiplicity of areas that you can address, it's hard to do that with a single ingredient."
Katke added that today's women have issue-specific needs, and are looking for something that will solve those individual problems for them. "If you look at the overall data on supplement sales, the general multiples are definitely the leaders, but if you look at health food shoppers, they are much more selective and informed and are looking for specific things for specific issues." For example, women concerned with osteoporosis respond well to combinations of glucosamine, calcium, phosphorous vitamin D and ipriflavone.
Obviously each woman's needs are individual, but there are certain consistencies and health concerns that can be documented in the majority of women around the world. Thanks again to widespread media attention, breast cancer is one of the most prominent women's issues.
From 1940 to 1990, the incidence of breast cancer rose steadily then stabilized at approximately 100 cases per 100,000 women. In 1997, breast cancer claimed the lives of 43,900 women. With an increased emphasis on mammography, the chance of early detection and treatment has greatly increased, but prevention through proper nutrient intake is also key. And there are a plethora of products that fall under this category.
One of the newest entries is the category is Weider Nutrition International's Nu Start Women's Breast Health Formula, which features glucarate, a naturally occurring substance shown to block cancer-causing agents and remove them from the body. Additionally, the product features a host of ingredients that possess antioxidant activities including citrus flavonoids, green tea extract, rosemary extract, soy isoflavones and boron. InterHealth Nutraceutical's Protykin and Enzymatic Therapy's IP6 are two more advanced antioxidant compounds that are proving their worth in both the laboratory and the retail store.
Although breast cancer may receive more widespread attention, heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of American women. It is known as the "silent" killer because women typically view it as a men's disease. The fact is, however, that more women die of heart disease each year than men. Although women develop it later in life, they are also more likely to have other co-existing, chronic conditions that may mask heart disease symptoms. Additionally, heart attack symptoms in women often differ from those in men, leading to misdiagnosis. Savvy manufacturers who recognize the potential health implications of these statistics are helping women preempt this life-threatening condition with a combination of vitamins, minerals and herbs. Formulations such as Bodyonics' CardioTrol and Ethical Nutrients' Cardiotain feature vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid to help support and maintain proper heart and circulatory system functions.
Osteoporosis also remains a top concern among the female population. Postmenopausal women are one of the most at-risk groups, as the drastic reduction in estrogen experienced during this stage causes increased calcium loss. Popular products under this category include ipriflavone, glucosamine, calcium and, of course, isoflavones.
While many of the women's products currently on the market are skewed toward an older generation, manufacturers note that as younger women become more interested in maintaining their current good health status, the market may shift toward total health nutrition products rather than intervention.
"Women are much more in tune with their psychology and physiology than men," said Larsen. "They are interested in feeling good while men are more concerned with looking good. The trend for women looks to be a healthy lifestyle."
PMS
Demeter, the Greek goddess of fertility, has a lot to answer for. While she may represent the miracle of giving birth, she is also associated with a monthly dose of cramps, headaches, muscle pain and more. Modern physicians and pharmacists have attempted to ease women's suffering with over-the-counter medications such as Midol or Pamprin, but often, these medications treat the symptoms and not the source.
In search of more predictable and lasting remedies, modern women have tapped into the intuitive wisdom of their ancestors and have re-discovered the role of herbs and minerals in helping to regulate the body's hormone levels. Although ancient Native American women were prone to chewing on medical plant leaves, today's PMS sufferer simply wants a convenient combination pill or capsule.
Vitamins and minerals, of course, can serve as the first line of defense against the onslaught of cramping and bloating. B6 particularly helps to clear water through a diuretic effect on the kidneys, but most experts recommend taking a complete B vitamin supplement to assure that the higher B6 amounts do not cause an imbalance of the other B vitamins.
Magnesium and calcium also are critical in providing support during this time of month. Although there are only several ounces of magnesium in the body, it is a very important essential macromineral. Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilizer, relaxing skeletal muscles as well as the smooth muscles of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Supplementing with magnesium can help to alleviate menstrual cramps, irritability, fatigue, depression and water retention. Recommended Daily Allowance is about 300 mg for women, increasing to about 450 mg during pregnancy and lactation. To function optimally, however, magnesium must be balanced in the body with calcium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium chloride.
As during any stage in a woman's life, adequate intake of calcium is also essential to the body's proper functioning. Calcium is often helpful for menstrual cramps, irritability or apprehension and muscle cramps that generally accompany PMS. Recommended dosage is usually 1,000 mg. Ideally, the reference daily intake for these basic dietary elements should be attained through diet. But realistically, supplementation is often the most practical means of achieving a nutrient balance.
On the herbal side, dong quai is one of the most important female tonic remedies in Chinese medicine. As a blood tonic, dong quai helps promote circulation, but it is also utilized to help normalize female hormones and increase vitality and energy. To date, no level of toxicity has been reported, but it may cause diarrhea in people with gastro-intestinal disease. Additionally, dong quai should be avoided by women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Other herbs frequently prescribed for PMS symptoms include: black cohosh, an antispasmodic utilized for centuries by native American women to help relieve pains associated with childbirth and menstrual cycles; and damiana, an herb frequently utilized for its balancing effect on hormones and its mildly stimulating properties.
On the outskirts of the herb category lies evening primrose oil, an essential fatty acid that is fast becoming one of the hottest-selling female formula ingredients. A natural source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid, evening primrose oil helps to regulate a wide variety of body functions, including a healthy reproductive cycle, hormonal balance and healthy skin. Most physicians recommend taking 1,000 mg three times a day, but those with particularly heavy menstrual bleeding should consider taking it throughout the month. To date, no toxicity has been reported, but those on blood-thinning drugs should avoid its use.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a relatively short-lived event in a woman's life, but the many hormonal and physical changes the body undergoes can sometimes make nine months seem like nine years. Still, because proper nutrition is essential for the health of the fetus, most health care professionals are extremely vigilant of the properties, dosages and contraindications of remedies that can help alleviate the various stages of cramping, nausea, night sweats and other symptoms that accompany the nine months of pregnancy.
Among the few herbs health care professionals feel comfortable recommending are: crampbark to prevent miscarriage and ease the nervousness that often accompanies pregnancy; ginger to help alleviate nausea; and red raspberry to calm muscle spasms.
Beyond that, however, most pregnancy nutrition regimens center around the proper intake of nutrients such as calcium, B vitamins and folic acid. Following a host of studies published in early 1997 indicating the importance of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects, the government increased its recommended dosage to 400 mcg. According to experts at the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, the most crucial time for an expectant mother to ingest enough folic acid begins before conception and lasts throughout the first trimester.
Although neural tube defects--a debilitating class of birth defects affecting the brain and spinal group--are rare, a study published in the May 31, 1997 issue of The Lancet indicates that a much greater number of women than was previously believed are genetically at risk for an enzyme defect that causes a vitamin deficiency, which predisposes them to having children with a neural tube defect. In fact, each year about 2,500 infants in the United States are born with serious neural tube defects. Therefore, the importance of ingesting folic acid takes on even greater significance.
Additionally, a report in the July-August 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association showed that the effects of folic acid can be further stimulated by the use of multivitamins. Researchers reported that multivitamin users have higher levels of folic acid in their blood and have a much lower chance of having a baby born with a birth defect.
It is important to note, however, that folic acid can also hide signs of pernicious anemia, a serious condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause permanent neurological damage. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that people consume no more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid without first consulting their physician.
Calcium is another important prenatal nutrient. Not only does this multi-purpose mineral help the mother maintain good bone strength and density, but it also provides the fetus with the necessary nutrients needed in the formation of bones, teeth and nails. Since the body rids itself of any excess, calcium is a particularly safe nutrient to take at almost any level, but the recommended dosage is around 1,250 mg per day for pregnant or lactating women. Calcium's effects are further enhanced by the addition of vitamin D, which assists the body in the absorption of calcium. During this precarious time of nutrient balance, pregnant women must also be careful not to consume too much potassium as it can rob the body of its calcium stores.
An important component in the development of healthy hair, skin and nails, as well as in the maintenance of healthy reproductive organs, zinc is another critical nutrient in the development of the fetus. A part of more than 80 enzymes, zinc has more functions than any other trace mineral. Found in cheese and meats, zinc can also be obtained from a variety of individual and multiple mineral formulas. Recommended dosage during the first four months of lactation is 13 mg, which decreases to 7 mg after the fourth month. Because large doses of zinc (150 mg and above) have been shown to decrease the body's white blood cell count, physicians and scientists advise not supplementing beyond 15 mg per day.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers can also benefit from supplementation of selenium, which helps maintain a healthy heart and liver and may protect against cancer, and iron, which is critical in the production and release of energy.
Breast Cancer
Number of deaths from breast cancer annually 44,209.
Although almost 75 percent of women with breast cancer are over the age of 50, an increasing number of American women are developing this frightening, but often treatable, disease at an earlier age. Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease--underlining the importance of mammograms and a general wellness regimen for all women.
Recognizing the seriousness and worldwide prevalence of cancer, most people have already taken steps to ensure their current state of good health including the cessation of smoking and eating fried fatty foods. But as physicians and scientists are discovering, there is much more that women, in particular, can do to ensure a healthy future for themselves.
One of the most talked about and most simplistic means of maintaining breast health is through the consumption of phytoestrogens. As the name implies, phytoestrogens are plant estrogens that are similar in structure to human estrogens. Although phytoestrogens are far less potent than human estrogens, they do compete for the same estrogen receptor sites. Through this mechanism, phytoestrogens are thought to protect estrogen receptor sites in the breast and elsewhere from over stimulation, which could lead to abnormal tissue growth.
Thanks to a host of clinical research supported by a number of media reports, soy has become one of the most popular sources of phytoestrogens. As of late, the soybean has been touted for its ability to: inhibit the growth of tumor cells; convert cancer cells back to normal cells; and block the entry of estrogen into breast cells, which is beneficial in preventing cancer. Research also indicates that soy isoflavones may protect against high levels of synthetic estrogen in the diet and may even prevent the metastasis of cancer cells. Additionally, soy's antioxidant properties can help with hormonal regulation, osteoporosis, cholesterol reduction and general immune support.
The main isoflavones genistin/genistein and daidzin/daidzein each contain two main parts, the aglycon moiety and the glycosidic moiety.
These isoflavones, as well as protease inhibitors, are two anticarcinogens that have been identified in soybeans. Genistein in particular seems close enough to estrogen to allow it to stick to estrogen receptors on a breast cancer cell, but not close enough to get inside the cell. Thus, it blocks estrogen's passage into the cells and denies tumor cells a powerful growth factor.
Meanwhile, protease inhibitors can help protect DNA and have strong anticancer benefits. One particular protease inhibitor, the Bowman-Birk Inhibitor, has been found to be effective in blocking tumor growth in animals. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are studying it as a preventive agent for people at high risk of developing cancer.
Within the last year, another compound has proven effective in the fight against breast cancer. Glucarate, a compound naturally found in fruits and vegetables, has been indicated to enhance the body's natural cancer prevention mechanisms. In a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health and the American Cancer Society, glucarate supplementation was proven to amplify these processes by increasing the removal of carcinogens from the body. Because glucarate affects different detoxification pathways than those acted upon by antioxidants, which also have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, it is often recommended to take both in tandem.
Individually, antioxidants are essential both in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention of various disease states ranging from colds to cancer. One of the newest additions to this arena is Protykin, a branded ingredient offered by InterHealth Nutraceuticals. Derived from the root of polygonum cuspidatum, an herb utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Protykin offers a high concentration of trans-resveratrol and emodin, both of which have been shown to possess cancer-fighting activities.
IP6, or inositol hexaposphate, is also beginning to earn its moniker of "Nature's cancer fighter." A naturally occurring substance found in oats, wheat, rice, corn and legumes, IP6 exhibits two antioxidant functions that have been shown to damage cells that cause or promote cancer. IP6 not only suppresses the body's production of free radicals and inhibits lipid peroxidation, but may also affect the basic mechanism(s) regulating cellular growth, effectively extending its applications to both cancer prevention and treatment. Unlike conventional cancer treatments, IP6 does not kill cancer cells. Rather, it inhibits cancer by making the cells behave and grow more like normal healthy cells in the body. Although none of the IP6 studies to date have been conducted on humans, the in vitro results on human cancer cells are certainly added hope for the approximately 184,000 new cases reported each year.
Menopause
4.8 million women will enter menopause this year.The change of life. The golden age. In simplest terms--menopause. While savvy marketers have attempted to give this stage in a women's life a "glowing" term or phrase to suggest a time to be pleasantly anticipated, menopause often carries with it some uncomfortable physical and emotional properties ranging from hot flashes and night sweats to irritability and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
For some women, menopause represents the loss of fertility and youth. For others, it signals a liberating new stage of physical and sexual freedom. In either case, menopause is a roller coaster of hormones that begins in a stage known as perimenopause.
Just as estrogen levels begin to rise gradually in childhood, so they begin to wane in the early 30s. Women traditionally enter the transitional period known as perimenopause in their early 40s. Symptoms include irregular menstruation, dry skin, decreased libido and mood fluctuations. Menopause, the period at which menstrual activity ceases, usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, and is accompanied by the myriad of symptoms previously listed.
In an effort to alleviate some of these unpleasant symptoms, physicians began prescribing estrogen under the auspices of replacing what mother nature was gradually taking away. However, many women were scared off by studies conducted in the early 1970s which indicated that women taking estrogen had up to a 14-fold increased risk of uterine cancer and a 30-percent increased risk of breast cancer. While today's lower dosages have diminished these risk, many women remain concerned about introducing a synthetic estrogen into their body. Enter alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), pregnenolone, and phytoestrogens.
The most abundant hormone made in the adrenal glands, DHEA is the precursor of some 10 different steroidal hormones associated with youth, and is necessary for at least 18 different steroidal hormones including sex steroids. Although DHEA is present in babies, levels do not begin to rise until puberty. From then on, DHEA levels rise until they peak in the mid-20s and then gradually begin to decline in the 30s. It is estimated that by age 70, the body is only making about one-fourth of the amount it made in its prime.
According to researchers, healthy women given DHEA rapidly convert it to estrogens, causing a 300 to 500 percent increase--making it an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Many members of the health care community also remain skeptical because a large percentage of the studies citing the benefits of DHEA were conducted on rodents, which have little, if any, naturally circulating DHEA. Additionally, long-term human study results of at least five years or more have yet to be published. Experts recommend having DHEA levels tested before supplementation begins. Doctors generally prescribe a low dose of 5 mg or 10 mg to start, which can then be increased if DHEA levels have not been raised sufficiently.
Another hormone currently enjoying a limited amount of popularity is pregnenolone. Like DHEA, pregnenolone blood levels affect memory, mood and energy, and levels decrease with age. Unlike DHEA, however, pregnenolone is less likely to increase testosterone in women, and thus is less likely to cause unwanted facial hair or masculine characteristics. It also may have applications in treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. But again, pregnenolone supplementation should be monitored by a medical practitioner, as long-term studies have yet to be published. In general, however, doses of 5 mg to 10 mg per day are considered safe.
As discussed in the Breast Cancer article, phytoestrogens, particularly those derived from soy, are fast gaining market popularity among women interested in preserving bone density without also increasing their risk of breast cancer (a common side effect noted with HRT). According to a study conducted at the University of Illinois, researchers found that 66 postmenopausal women placed on a six-month, low-fat diet in which soy was the only form of protein, exhibited a significant increase in bone density, which was limited to the spine. In addition, soy beans alone contain a high calcium content in comparison to other plant foods.
Soy also has been studied for its ability to decrease hot flashes and night sweats. Results from a controlled six-week study of 51 perimenopausal women found that the women who were given an 8-oz. soy beverage daily reported fewer hot flashes and night sweats. These studies were confirmed by an Italian study, published in January, which indicated that 60 g of soy protein administered daily for 12 weeks to women aged 45 to 62 with moderate to severe hot flashes lessened the number of hot flashes by 45 percent compared to a 30-percent reduction in those taking a placebo. Recommended intake ranges from 60 mg to 80 mg of isoflavones per day.
Another source of isoflavones is Trifolium pratense or red clover. Touted as the richest source of isoflavone plant estrogens, red clover comprises the genistein and daidzein found in soy, as well as biochanin and formononetin. According to Novogen, makers of Promensil, red clover is one of the few plant species to contain four dietary isoflavones, all of which have differing biological functions.
There remains a select group of herbs that can particularly be utilized in alleviating symptoms specific to menopause. Included in this list are goldenseal, red raspberry, echinacea and slippery elm. Additionally, black cohosh can help alleviate hot flashes, while St. John's wort and kava kava help regulate mood swings.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is the gradual loss of calcium from the skeleton which makes bones brittle and prone to breaking. It is generally categorized as either primary (related to age) or secondary (related to drug therapy or a medical condition). Age, race and sex are all important determining factors for risk of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women are one of the most at-risk groups, as the drastic reduction in estrogen causes increased calcium loss.
Recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a preventative for osteoporosis, calcium is one of the most important and most abundant minerals in the human body. Approximately 98 percent of our body's calcium content (which equals about three pounds) is contained in the bones. Of the remaining percentage, 1 percent is in the teeth and the rest is distributed throughout other tissues. As we age, our bodies generally absorb less calcium, necessitating supplementation. When calcium is depleted from the bones faster than it is deposited, osteoporosis is sure to result.
But calcium is not the only mineral essential for good bone health.
Another compound demanding recognition is 7-isopropoxy-isoflavone, or ipriflavone, a synthetic supplement that has been indicated to restore bone mass. Like estrogens, ipriflavone functions primarily to suppress bone resorption. But in vitro studies also have shown its potential in stimulating bone cell growth.
Although ipriflavone shares structural similarities with naturally occurring phytoestrogens, it does not exert estrogenic effects in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Instead, it simply increases bone mineral density and improves the biochemical properties of skeletal tissue while also preventing early postmenopausal bone loss in patients treated with low doses of estrogens.
In more than 400 patients who have been treated with ipriflavone in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, significant increments of .5 to 7.1 percent in total body, forearm and vertebral bone mineral density have been recorded, according to Steve Lee, technical director for Technical Sourcing International, manufacturers of ipriflavone.
Another condition currently affecting a vast majority of postmenopausal women is osteoarthritis, or the degeneration of cartilage that causes inflammation, pain and limited motion in the joint. Prior to the age of 45, osteoarthritis is most common in men, but beyond the age of 45, it is 10 times more common in women.
Currently, glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin and cartilage are three of the most recognized supplements in this category. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is the starting point for the synthesis of macromolecules such as glycoproteins and glycolipids. These macromolecules make up many of the body's tissues including synovial fluid in the joints. A deficiency of glucosamine can reduce the rate of production of these macromolecules, which leads to tissue weakness.
Found in high concentration in the gristle around the joints of animals, chondroitin draws fluid to the cells in the joint, effectively lubricating the bone and surrounding joint. When paired with glucosamine, the effects of both are further enhanced.
Shark cartilage and bovine cartilage also seem beneficial in this category and are indicated for reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility.
Recently, however, two new supplements have joined this category and are enjoying a wave of attention--Cetyl myristoleate and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane). Discovered in 1962, cetyl myristoleate seems to function in three different capacities: it lubricates joints and muscles, works as an immune system modulator and mediates inflammatory processes. Although animal studies on cetyl myristoleate abound, only one human trial clearly supports the use of cetyl myristoleate in treating symptoms of arthritis. Many researchers believe cetyl myristoleate's effects result from its ability to reprogram faulty memory T-cells, but its more effective capabilities seem to be as a lubricant and anti-inflammatory. Individual results depend on bodyweight and number of areas affected, but general dosage recommendations range between 12 g to 15 g per month.
MSM, the other new kid on the block, is one of the most versatile supplements currently on the market. A white odorless crystal, MSM comprises 34 percent elemental sulfur-an essential mineral utilized by the body in regulating energy, dehydration and detoxification, as well as the movement of tissues found in the skin, blood vessels, organs, skin and nails. Because sulfur is critical in the formation of collagen and glucosamine--vital joint components--MSM is an important building block that has been indicated to help ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and gout. Researchers report that MSM is no more toxic than water or common table salt and recommend dosages ranging from 1 g to 30 g.
While many of the supplements mentioned herein are beneficial in easing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis or osteoporosis, their more important role lies in preventing these disease states. Proper nutrient intake and a balanced diet are essential to producing and maintaining good joint health.
Women's ProductsAMERIFIT Estroven--provides soy isoflavones, the B vitamins, selenium, kava
kava and calcium. BODYONICS--Longevity AgeErasers EstroGentle--a combination of black cohosh, soy isoflavones and chaste berry, EstroGentle provides support for menopausal women. COUNTRY LIFE VITAMINS Maxi Pre-Natal--provides vitamins A, C, D, E and the B complex, as
well as calcium, magnesium and all other essential minerals. EFAMOL NUTRACEUTICALS INC. Efamol Evening Primrose Oil--A highly effective source of gamma
linolenic acid, which helps in balancing hormones and smoothing skin. ENZYMATIC THERAPY Remifemin-- an all-natural, standardized herbal extract of black cohosh. ETHICAL NUTRIENTS Bone Builder--a bone support formula that comprises microcrystalline
hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC) with magnesium, boron and vitamin D. FUTUREBIOTICS Cranberry Plus--for better urinary tract health. GENISOY PRODUCTS CO. GeniSoy Protein Bars--offers 14 g of water-processed isolated soy
protein, as well as vitamin E and selenium. METABOLIC RESPONSE MODIFIERS Osteo-Max--offers 200 mg Ostivone paired with 667 mg of MCHC. NATROL Bone Protector With Ostivone--a combination of Ostivone and 1,200 mg
of calcium. NATURAL BALANCE Iprical Plus--a combination of Ostivone, calcium and vitamin D paired
with copper, zinc and boron. NOVOGEN Promensil--manufactured from red clover, Promensil provides the four main estrogenic isoflavones found in the human diet: biochanin, formononetin, daidzein and genistein. SCHIFF--A division of Weider Nutrition International PMS I &II--replenishes nutrients lost during the menstrual and
premenstrual cycle. PMS I features vitamin B6, magnesium, chromium, choline and
beta-carotene. PMS II contains sarsaparilla root, burdock root and ginger root herbal
extracts. |